Indiana Basketball adds Eastern Illinois to its 2024-25 non-conference schedule

It has been announced that Mike Woodson and Indiana basketball have added an opponent to their 2024-25 non-conference schedule and with that, a familiar face will be returning to Bloomington.

It was announced earlier that Indiana will be facing Eastern Illinois on Sunday, November 10th at Assembly Hall.

Former Indiana basketball player and now Eastern Illinois head coach Marty Simmons will lead the Panthers into Bloomington. Simmons played two seasons under Bob Knight from 1983-85.

During his freshman year, he played a key role in the team’s Elite Eight run. He started in 26 games that season for the Hoosiers and shot 47.6% from the field. Simmons transferred to the University of Evansville after his sophomore season.

Simmons is in his fourth year as the head coach at Eastern Illinois where he has a record of 28–66. Last season the Panthers finished the season with a 14-18 record, Simmons’ best year with the school.

Simmons is not scared to schedule tough opponents as last season his team faced Illinois and Kansas. They nearly shocked the world against Kansas, only losing by 8 to the Jayhawks.

Eastern Illinois also will receive $100,000 as a part of the agreement to play Indiana basketball next season.